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Federal investigators have reportedly launched an investigation into the death of longtime Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, looking into his use of prescription drugs and ketamine and the role of a California addiction doctor who treated him in the months before his death.
The FBI earlier this month issued a federal grand jury subpoena seeking records related to Irsay’s death, his alleged use of illegal and prescription drugs and his relationship with Dr. Harry Haroutunian, a California-based addiction specialist who treated him before his death, according to The Washington Post.
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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor ceremony for Tarik Glenn during halftime of a game against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Investigators also spent several days in Indianapolis earlier this month as part of the investigation.
The FBI declined to comment on the investigation.
“I understand that some subpoenas have been issued, but not to me, the Colts or any of our current employees,” Colts legal chief Dan Emerson told the Washington Post on Thursday, declining to comment further.
Isray’s death certificate was signed by Haroutunian, who said the boss died of cardiac arrest caused by acute pneumonia, with the two heart conditions contributing factors. However, no official autopsy was ever conducted.
Irsay, who became owner of the Colts in 1997, died in May at age 65.
Irsay had several health problems throughout his life and even struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, once admitting that he had been to rehab “at least 15 times.”
The Colts announced in January 2024 that Irsay was being treated for a “severe respiratory illness.” In February, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was “on the mend.”
Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay speaks during a ceremony honoring former player Tarik Glenn during halftime of the game between the Washington Commanders and the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
JIM IRSAY RECEIVED KETAMINE TREATMENTS IN MIDDLE RECOVERY BEFORE DEATH: REPORTS
In December 2023, the police called to Irsay’s home around 4:30 a.m. and found him in bed, unresponsive and cold from what authorities called a “suspected overdose.” But Irsay himself disputed that at the time.
“It wasn’t an overdose,” Irsay later said Fox 59 in Indianapolis. “I don’t know why, when you have your name in the newspaper before, people throw it out quickly. I don’t pay much attention to it all, but I don’t think it’s fair.”
According to the Washington Post, Haroutunian allegedly prescribed over 200 opioid pills before Irsay’s overdose in December 2023. One overdose occurred at his home in Indianapolis and another at a rental home in Miami. Haroutunian also allegedly prescribed ketamine to the owner.
Irsay was arrested in 2014 and pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated (OWI), which led to a six-game suspension and a $500,000 fine from the NFL. He said his arrest was partly because he was a white billionaire.
Irsay’s father bought the team in 1972, when they still played in Baltimore, for $12 million and moved the team in 1984. Irsay was the team’s general manager from 1982 to 1996, becoming the NFL’s youngest owner at age 37, shortly after his father’s death in 1997.
November 10, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a fan event at the Chicago Meatpackers before an International Series game against the New England Patriots. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
During his tenure leading the organization’s day-to-day operations, Irsay won 258 games, the fourth most in the NFL during that span. He also won 10 division titles, went 1-1 in Super Bowls and reached the playoffs 18 times.
This is a development story. Check back for updates.
